Thyroid Antibodies Test

[Fluffysmom]

I have mild hypothyroidism, take 25 mcg. of Levoxyl 4 days a week, 50 mcg. 3 days a week.  

I've been undergoing a work-up for MS, and my specialist sent me for a thyroid antibodies test.  She doesn't think I have MS (non-textbook lesions, negative LP)  I tested negative for most mimics.

I got my result back, but not what they mean, and googling has been more confusing than clarifying.  I would appreciate it if you could help me understand, as my next appointment is not for 3 months.

Thyroglobulin Antibody    1.5

Thyroid peroxidase AB     .5

Thanks for your help!

Kathy

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

These look like negative thyroid antibody levels, ie suggesting against hashimoto's as cause of hypothyroid -- but with the low thyroid dose you take, one wonders if you really needed levoxyl at all....sometimes these meds are started based on a single, slightly high TSH - when if one had waited 6 weeks and repeated TSH it would have been normal.  I often will try to take patients off low doses like this if there is no evidence of a chronic thyroid condition (ie normal antibodies and ultrasound) -- best not to be on meds that you don't need or think you have conditions you don't have....this may not apply to your situation, but should be considered.

[Fluffysmom]

I started taking the levoxyl because of having symptoms of low thyroid; dry skin, losing more hair than normal, constipation.  My TSH at that time was high normal, but I think that was before they revised the "normal" levels.

I had my levels tested not long ago and the TSH was definitely high, thus the interesting dosage increase.

I have often thought that I could drop the levoxyl, but my PCP disagreed, and then when I had the high level again, I thought maybe I should be on it.

I'm going to have a brain and throat MRA soon; will that show any thyroid issues?  Would it be wise to consider an ultrasound?

My best friend had relatively "normal" levels, though she kept feeling bad, and her third endocrinologist discoverd thyroid cancer.  I was there when she woke up from her surgery.  She is fine now.  I learned the simple normal isn't always the whole picture.

I'm sure that I am fine, and I still wish I could stop taking the levoxyl.  I would prefer the taking the fewest medications possible.

Thank you for your input.

Kathy